The Iraqi commander of the Baghdad security crackdown said today that Iraq planned to close its borders with Syria and Iran for 72 hours as part of the drive to secure the Iraqi capital.

A Sea Knight helicopter crashed near Baghdad today, sending flames and a huge plume of black smoke into the sky, the fifth helicopter lost in Iraq in just over two weeks.

Violence raked Baghdad today as an Iraqi general took charge of the security operation in the capital and Iraqi police and soldiers manned new roadblocks - initial steps indicating the start of the long-anticipated joint operation with American forces to curb sectarian bloodshed.

The general who will lead Iraqi forces in a security crackdown in Baghdad takes charge today.

The general who will lead Iraqi forces in a security crackdown in Baghdad takes charge tomorrow.